How despicable is this test from Faulkland to see if Julia loves him enough to flee the country with him? She passes the test in a very romantic speech, but when the truth is revealed Julia has had enough and breaks with him - once again: "I now see it is not in your nature to be content or confident in love."

The director of Rivals DVD (advertised on the index page and very good) calls Faulkland a Georgian Woody Allen - a neurotic person who feels he is never loved enough. I think she's right, and I also think that Julia is going to regret marrying him.

"O Faulkland! - how many unhappy moments - how many tears have you cost me." And you just know there will be more in the future. I don't hold out much hope for their Happily Ever After. But then, that's why this is fiction. ;-)